Chancellor Reeves Announces £13 Billion Compensation Plan

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a total of £13.6 billion in compensation for victims of two major scandals: £11.8 billion for those affected by the infected blood scandal and £1.8 billion for victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal. This marks the first Labour budget since 2010 and the first ever delivered by a woman, with Reeves criticizing the previous government for failing to budget for these necessary funds. She emphasized that the compensation is long overdue and aims to address the injustices suffered by the victims. The Chancellor highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to compensation schemes, as indicated by a recent National Audit Office report. Critics have called for immediate action rather than more promises, urging the new government to act decisively. The announcement has been positively received by campaigners advocating for these long-awaited compensations.